Window air filter

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to adjustably sized air filter systems capable of use in a window opening. The present disclosure also related to methods of making and using these adjustably sized air filter systems.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to air filters. In some embodiments, itrelates to adjustably sized air filter systems capable of use in awindow opening.

BACKGROUND

Windows exist in a large variety of sizes and can include vertically orhorizontally operable sashes to provide air flow between an exterior andan interior of a building structure. Occupants of a building structureoften desire opening windows to let fresh air into an interior of ahome, business, or otherwise enclosed space. However, in many locations,such as highly populated areas of China, the outside air is morecontaminated than the indoor air. Novel filtering solutions are neededto let the fresh aspects of the outdoor air in without letting in thepollution or contaminants. Outdoor contaminants may include largerparticles such as pollen, dust, and mold spores and smaller particlessuch as those forming PM₂₅, bacteria, and viruses. Gaseous outdoorpollutants such as odors, NO_(R), SO₂, ozone, and others may also be ofconcern in some locations.

SUMMARY

The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that a need existsfor a window filter that protects users from outside air qualitycontaminants, allows fresh air get into the home through windows, can beeasily installed and used by consumers, is versatile to fit most windowsizes, and/or has minimal impact on lighting and visibility. Theinventors of the present disclosure invented and discovered apparatusesand methods that address at least some of these goals.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a window filterassembly, comprising: (1) a frame assembly comprising: first and secondend frame members; and first and second side frame members; wherein thefirst and second side frame members are configured to couple with thefirst and second end frame members; and (2) a filter media assembly thatis attachable to at least one of the side frame members and the endframe members; wherein the window filter assembly is expandable from acollapsed state to an expanded state.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second side framemembers are expandable. In some embodiments, at least one of the sideframe members include at least one of a spring-loaded mechanismpermitting lengthwise adjustment, a telescoping mechanism permittinglengthwise adjustment, a ratcheting mechanism permitting lengthwiseadjustment, a friction fit permitting lengthwise adjustment, two or morecomponents that are slidable relative to one another permittinglengthwise adjustment, a portion that nests within another portionpermitting lengthwise adjustment, and/or threads to permit screw-likelengthwise adjustment.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second side frame membersinclude multiple pieces or portions and a length of each of the piecesor portions is less than the total length of the side frame member in anexpanded state. In some embodiments, the side frame members are tubular.In some embodiments, the first and second side frame members areconfigured to removably couple with the first and second end framemembers.

In some embodiments, either the first and second end frame members orthe first and second side frame members include apertures sized andshaped to receive the other of the first and second end frame members orthe first and second side frame members.

In some embodiments, the frame assembly is made of at least one ofplastic, metal, paper, wood, and/or cardboard.

In some embodiments, at least one of the end frame members and the sideframe members include filter media receivers configured to receiveconnectors mounted on the filter media assembly. In some embodiments,the connectors are at least one of pegs, teeth, hooks, or othermechanical connections mechanism. In some embodiments, either the endframe members or the side frame members include a female attachmentgeometry and the other of the end frame members or the side framemembers include a male attachment geometry. In some embodiments, thefilter media is held in place in or on the frame assembly by at leastone of open tubes, pockets, partial loops, adhesive strips, hook andloop connection means, and/or a loop-engaging fastener material.

In some embodiments, the filter media is at least one of an extendedsurface area media, pleated, corrugated, scrunched, ruffled, crinkled,and/or a high surface area media. In some embodiments, the filter mediais self-supporting. In some embodiments, the filter media has anelectrostatic charge. In some embodiments, the filter media includes atleast one of porous foam, a nonwoven, paper, and/or fiberglass. In someembodiments, the filter media is wire-backed.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second end framemembers has lengthwise adjustability. In some embodiments, at least oneof the first and second end frame members includes a spring-loadedfeature.

In some embodiments, the window filter assembly can self-retain theshape of the selected expanded and/or collapsed state. In someembodiments, the window filter assembly can be adjusted to fit windowsof various sizes. In some embodiments, the window filter assembly has asize that can be adjusted to fit in a partially open window.

Some embodiments relate to a method of replacing filter media in thewindow filter assembly of any of the preceding claims, comprising: (1)removing one of the first and second end frame members from the frameassembly; (2) removing used filter media; (3) sliding unused filtermedia along the first and second side frame members; (4) attaching theunused filter media to one of the first and second end frame members;(5) attaching the unused filter media to the other of the first andsecond end frame members; and (6) securing the previously removed one ofthe first and second end frame members to form the complete frameassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a window air filter in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure; FIG. 2A is a cross-sectionalview of a filter frame useful with the window air filter of FIG. 1 inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure and partiallyunassembled

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a filter frame useful with a windowair filter in accordance with principles of the present disclosureincluding a spring loaded end frame;

FIG. 3A is a side view of a partially assembled window air filter inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the window air filter of FIG. 3A fullyassembled in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a filter media useful with thewindow air filter of FIG. 3B in accordance with principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view a pleated filter media assembly usefulwith window air filters of the present disclosure and in an expandedcondition;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the pleated filter media assemblyof FIG. 4A, taken along the line 4B-4B;

FIG. 4C is a side view of a portion of the pleated filter media assemblyof FIG. 4A in a collapsed condition;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a window air filter in horizontallyopening window transitioning from a collapsed state to an expanded statein accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the window air filter of FIG. 5A in anexpanded state;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a window air filter in verticallyopening window transitioning from a collapsed state to an expanded statein accordance with principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the window air filter of FIG. 6A in anexpanded state.

The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may beexaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. The scope of this disclosure, however, may be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth or shown herein.

One embodiment of a window air filter 20 in accordance with principlesof the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The window air filter 20is generally configured to be expandable by a user from a collapsed,initial state (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 6A) to an expanded, end-use state(see, e.g., FIGS. 5B and 6B), and to self-retain the expanded state forinstallation and use in a window opening. The window air filter 20includes a filter media assembly 30 and a frame assembly 40. The frameassembly 40 includes opposing first and second end frame members 32, 34and first and second side frame members 36, 38. Details on the variouscomponents are provided below. In general terms, the filter mediaassembly 30 is configured to readily transition between the collapsedand expanded states by directing the end frame members 32, 34 toward oraway from each other as indicated by arrows “A”. Upon transitioning thefilter media assembly 30 to a desired size or length in the expandedstate, the side frame members 36, 38 are manipulated to secure thefilter media assembly 30 in the selected expanded state. The window airfilter 20 does not require a fully rigid frame permanently surroundingthe filter media assembly 30 and can be adjusted to fit window openingsof various sizes.

The window air filter 20 is typically removably installed in a partiallyopened window. The window air filter 20 includes a pair of expandableside frame members 36, 38 that are configured to couple with the endframe members 30, 32, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, which further allows thefilter to fit a wide variety of window sizes. The side frame members 36,38 can be spring-loaded rods or members to provide dimensionaladjustability and further provide an outward “holding” force to maintainthe filter media assembly 30 placement within an open window. The filtermedia assembly 30 is attachable to and slidable over the side framemembers 36, 38 and is adjustable as the window filter 20 is adjusted forlength by a user. The filter media assembly 30 includes a high surfacearea filter media, for example, a filter media that is pleated,crinkled, or ruffled to provide for expansion and contraction of thefilter media assembly 30 to correspond with the desired length of thewindow air filter 20.

The expandable side frame members 36, 38 provide dimensionaladjustability to the window filter 20, which may be achieved byspring-loading (as shown in FIG. 1), ratcheting mechanisms, or frictionfit, for example. The spring-loaded feature can improve ease of use byhelping hold the filter in place during use. The side frame members 36,38 can include or incorporate a wide variety of other structures,components and/or mechanisms that allow a user to adjust and select alength of the side frame members 36, 38. The side frame members 36, 38can include two or more components or portions that are slidablerelative to one another in a telescoping-like fashion. Each of the sideframe members 36, 38 can include a first portion 36 a can be at leastpartially nested within a second portion 36 b (identified for the firstside frame 36 in FIGS. 2A-2B). The first portion 36 a and the secondportion 36 b can be adjustable with respect to one another along alongitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the portions 36 a, 36 b arespring-loaded to be biased to extend away from each other.Alternatively, the portions 36 a, 36 b can be frictionally adjustable orthreaded for screw-like adjustment. Regardless, the length of each ofthe portions 36 a, 36 b is less than the total length of the side framemember 36 in an extended state. The first and second portions 36 a, 36 bthus can be readily manipulated by a user (manually) from a firstarrangement in the collapsed state to a second arrangement in theexpanded state and any state in between.

The side frame members 36, 38 can assume a variety of forms, and in someembodiments are substantially identical. In one embodiment, the sideframe members 36, 38 are tubular and have a round in cross-section. Eachof the side frame members 36, 38 define opposing, leading and trailingends 42, 44 (identified for the first side frame 36 in the view of FIG.2A), with the trailing end 44 optionally being permanently connected toa corresponding one of the end frame members 32. Alternatively, both theleading and trailing ends 42, 44 are removably coupled to the end framemembers 32, 34, respectively. In some embodiments, the end frame members32, 34 include side member receivers 46 for selective connection of theside frame members 36, 38 to the end frame members 32, 34. For example,the side member receivers 46 can form apertures sized and shaped toreceive (e.g., frictionally receive one of the ends 42, 44 of the sideframe members 36, 38. The end frame members 32, 34 and the side framemembers 36, 38 can incorporate a wide variety of other complementarystructures, components, and/or mechanisms that promote mountedengagement. The frame assembly 40 can be constructed of a relativelylight weight yet structurally rigid material such as, for example,plastic, metal, paper, wood, and/or cardboard. The frame members 32-38can be completely disconnected and disassembled for storage or packingand shipping.

In some embodiments, the end frame members 32, 34 are identical.Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more end frame members 32,34 can include a spring-loaded end cap 50 or similar structure whichprovides a slight dimensional adjustability for improving the ease ofinstallation and removal of the product, and for further providing anoutward pushing force to help hold the product in place during use. Theoptional spring-loaded or adjustable end cap 50 also allows for easierinstallation if the side frame members 36, 38 are locked in positionafter initial sizing to the user's window. In one embodiment, the endframe members 32, 34 are also slidably adjustable so that the windowfilter 20 is extendable in a second direction perpendicular from thefirst extendable direction formed by the side frame members 36, 38.

At least one of the end frame members 32, 34 is removable to allow foruser-replacement of the filter media assembly 30. The removable endframe member(s) 32, 34 allow for simple and quick filter media assembly30 change/replacement. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the filter mediaassembly 30 can be slid along the side members 36, 38 and attached toboth end members 32, 34. The end members 32, 34 can include filterreceivers 48. The filter media assembly 30 may include connectors 52that facilitate the attachment and removal of the filter media assembly30 to the end frame members 32, 34. For example, the end frame members32, 34 may have filter receivers 48 configured to receive connectors 52(e.g., pegs) which are mounted on the filter media assembly 30. Theconnectors 52 can include teeth, hooks, or other mechanism to provide orpromote attachment to filter receivers 48 of the end frame members 32,34. Regardless, the filter media assembly 30 can include connectors 52suitable to be coupled with filter receivers 48. In other embodiments,the end frame members 32, 34 may include a “female” attachment geometryand the filter media assembly 30 may include “male” attachmentcomponents.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the filter media assembly 30 attaches to theadjustable side frame members 32, 34. The filter media assembly 30 isfurther depicted without the frame assembly 40 in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Thefilter media assembly 30 may include attachments 54 such as open tubes,pockets, partial loops, or other features that go entirely around theperimeter of the rods, or they may include mechanical and/or adhesivefeatures, such as adhesive strips, hook & loop, loop-engaging material,etc., that are attachable to portions of the side frame members 32, 34and may not require the filter media assembly 30 to wrap around theentire side frame members 32, 34. As used herein, the term“loop-engaging” as used herein relates to the ability of a hook elementto be mechanically attached to a loop material. For example, the hookelement may be in the shape of a mushroom (e.g., with a circular or ovalhead enlarged with respect to the stem), a hook, a palm-tree, a nail, aT, or a J. The loop-engageability of hook elements may be determined anddefined by using standard woven, nonwoven, or knit materials. Oneexemplary commercially available loop-engaging material is 3M™Dual-Lock™ fastener.

The attachments 54 are illustrated as circular attachments in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 3C, sized and shaped to accommodatecircular side frame members 36, 38. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the filtermedia assembly 30 can, in the presence of loop-like side attachmentstructures 54, slide onto the side frame members 36, 38 and attach tothe end frame members 32, 34 of the frame assembly 40. The sideattachment structures 54 can be the same or different material as thefilter media 56. The combined filter media assembly 30 and frameassembly 40 has the ability to adjust in the length dimension toaccommodate a variety of window sizes.

The filter media assembly 30 can assume a wide variety of forms usefulfor air filtration presently known, or in the future developed. Thefilter media assembly 30 is preferably an extended surface area filter,meaning that it has greater surface area than a flat sheet whichoccupies the same two-dimensional area. The extended surface area may beachieved by performing a defined pleating operation, by corrugating themedia, or by performing a “scrunching” operation similar to how ruffledcurtains are constructed. For example, the filter media can be pleated,crinkled, or ruffled, or otherwise include a suitable expanding andcontracting surface area. Regardless, the media is expandable toaccommodate a variety of window sizes.

By “ruffled” is meant at least a portion gathered along at least oneedge to form a configuration comprising undulations. For example, and asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ruffled filter media assembly 30 includesa plurality of ruffles, or undulations, extending generally parallel toone another with each ruffle extending between opposing side framemembers 36, 38. Materials and construction of the ruffled filter mediaassembly 30 are such that the ruffled filter media assembly 30 can, insome embodiments, be repeatedly transitioned between an expandedcondition as in FIG. 3B and a collapsed condition, with a spacingdistance between and the depth of successive ruffles in the expandedcondition being greater than that of the collapsed condition. The filtermedia assembly 30 can have the rectangular shape (that is specificallyinclusive of a square shape) shown, defining opposing ends 58 a, 58 band opposing sides 59 a, 59 b.

In another example, and as shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C, filter mediaassembly 130 is pleated and includes a plurality of pleats 60 eachincluding a fold line 62 defining a pleat tip 64 and a pair of adjacentpanels 66. By “pleated” is meant at least a portion of which has beenfolded to form a configuration comprising rows of generally parallel,oppositely oriented folds. Aspects of the materials and construction ofthe pleated filter media assembly 130 are akin to filter media assembly30 and are such that the filter media assemblies 30, 130 can, in someembodiments, be repeatedly transitioned between an expanded condition asin FIG. 4B and a collapsed condition as in FIG. 4C, with a spacingdistance between successive pleat tips 64 in the expanded conditionbeing greater than that of the collapsed condition. As a point ofreference, the “expanded condition” of the pleated filter media assembly130 as an individual component generally corresponds with the “expandedstate” of the window air filter 120, 220 (e.g., FIGS. 5B and 6B) as awhole, except that the window air filter 120, 220 includes additionalcomponents (described above) that retain the pleated filter mediaassembly 130 in the particular size and shape of the expanded state. Inother words, while the pleated filter media assembly 130 can betransitioned (e.g., stretched or compacted) to any of a number ofdifferent “expanded conditions” and “collapsed conditions. The windowair filter 120, 220, as a whole, can self-retain the shape of theselected expanded state and collapsed state. The pleated filter mediaassembly 130 can have the rectangular shape (that is specificallyinclusive of a square shape) shown, defining opposing ends 68 a, 68 band opposing sides 70 a, 70 b.

Pleats can be formed in the filter media 72 (or in the pleated filtermedia assembly 130) using various methods and components as are wellknown in the art, e.g., to form a pleated filter for use in applicationssuch as air filtration., for example those described in U.S. Pat. No.6,740,137 to Kubokawa et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,063 to Sundet etal., the entire teachings of both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The pleated filter media assembly 130, and similarly the filter mediaassembly 30, can consist of a filter media or web 72 alone (as in theillustrated embodiment), or can include one or more additionalcomponents or structures applied or assembled to the filter media 72 solong as the resultant filter media assembly 130 can at least betransitioned from the collapsed condition to the expanded conditionwithout damaging a structural integrity of the filter media assembly 30,130, and optionally can be repeatedly transitioned between the collapsedand expanded conditions without damaging a structural integrity of thefilter media assembly 30, 130. The filter media 72 of the assembly 30,130 can be self-supporting or non-self-supporting. For example, wherethe pleated filter media assembly 130 consists of the pleated filtermedia 72 alone, the filter media or web 72 can be self-supporting ornon-self-supporting. Where the pleated filter media assembly 130consists of the pleated filter media or web 72 and a support structure,the pleated filter media 72 can be non-self-supporting with the additionsupporting structure rendering the pleated filter media assembly 130, asa whole, to be self-supporting. For example, the filter media 72 can bewire-backed. A “self-supporting pleated filter media or web” candescribe a filter media or web that is deformation resistant withoutrequiring stiffening layers, adhesive or other reinforcement in thefilter media web. Alternatively, “self-supporting” means that thepleated filter media generally maintains its shape when subjected to anairstream as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,202 toKubokawa, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference. Alternatively, the term “self-supporting” refers to a web ormedia having sufficient coherency and strength so as to be drapable andhandleable without substantial tearing or rupture, and when used withrespect to a pleated filter refers to a filter whose pleats havesufficient stiffness so that they do not collapse or bow excessivelywhen subjected to the air pressure typically encountered in force airventilation systems. The term “non-self-supporting” can denote an airfilter media that is not capable, in the absence of a support frameand/or a support grill, of withstanding the forces encountered due totypical air flow.

The particular filter media 72 selected for the filter media assemblies30, 130 can be particularly suited have particular desiredcharacteristics described herein. In some embodiments, an electrostaticcharge is optionally imparted into or on to material(s) of the filtermedia 72. An electrostatically charged media 72 may be used, of whichmany grades are available, and many of which offer high efficiency withlow pressure drop. Thus, the filter media 72 can be an electret nonwovenweb. Electric charge can be imparted to the filter media 72 in a varietyof ways as is well known in the art, for example by hydrocharging,corona charging, etc. (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,142(mentioned above)). In other embodiments, the filter media 72 is notelectrostatically charged. Additional multi-functional media grades,which incorporate activated carbon or other materials for purifyinggas-phase pollutants, may also be incorporated into the filterstructure. The filter media 72 can be constructed, for example, fromnonwoven fibrous media formed of thermoplastics or thermosettingmaterials such as polypropylene, linear polyethylene and polyvinylchloride. Other suitable, non-limiting materials for the filter mediainclude porous foams, nonwovens, papers, fiberglass, or the like. Insome embodiments, the filter media 72 comprises a filter media thatattracts and captures dust, allergens such as pollen and mold spores,and fine particle pollution from the outdoor air.

In another embodiment, the filter assembly 30 can include both ruffledand pleated portions. The central portion of the filter media 56 mayinclude self-supporting or wire-backed pleats which are connected to theside attachment structures 54, and the side attachment structures 54 mayform a ruffled structure when installed over the side frame members 36,38. In a further embodiment, a single continuous piece of filter media56 may be used to form both ruffled edge attachment structures 54 andthe central pleated filter media 56 portion.

Other nonwoven webs useful with the filter media 72 can be a high loftspunbond web, such as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,153to Fox et al., the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference. In other embodiments, the filter media 72 can be a low loftspunbond web, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,142 to Foxet al., the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference. In yet other embodiments, nonwoven webs useful with thefilter media 72 are generated by other techniques and/or have othercharacteristics, such as the meltblown nonwoven webs disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,858,297 to Shah et al. (mentioned above). Other non-limitingexample of useful nonwoven web formats include bi-modal fiber diametermeltblown media such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,163, theentire teaching of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 5 then illustrates the expandable filter fitted into both ahorizontal sliding window and a vertical sliding window. The filter isinstalled by expanding it to the non-motion dimension of the window andthen partially closing one sash onto the filter assembly. It is notedthat a small gap may be created between the two window segments,allowing air to flow from the outside between the two window segmentsand bypassing the filter to gain entry to the indoors. This bypass maybe avoided by the use of a piece of foam, weather-stripping, etc.

Embodiments include window filters suitable for sliding-type windows,such as horizontal sliding windows and vertical sliding windows (e.g.single and double hung). These sliding window types appear to be thepredominant types in both North America and the China region, forexample. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a window air filter 120 installed ina horizontally opening window 180 (i.e., having a horizontally operablesash 182). FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a window air filter 220 installedin a window 280 having a vertically operable sash 282. The window airfilters 120, 220 are sized for a wide variety of window dimensions inthe dimension of sliding window sash 182, 282 travels. The dimensionaladjustability of the window air filter 120, 220 in the longitudinaldimension of the filter (indicated by the arrow) further allowsadjustability to fit a variety of window widths (the cross-direction ofwindow travel). The window air filter 120, 220 is sized for a partiallyopen window 180, 280. In some embodiments, only 10-30% of the windowarea is blocked, leaving a large percentage of the window area stillopen for light passage and visibility.

In accordance with principles of the present disclosure, window airfilters 120, 220 protect users from outside air quality contaminantswhile allowing fresh air get into the home or building structure throughthe windows 180, 280. In one example, by incorporating an extendablesurface area of filter media assembly 130 and by covering a moderateportion of the window 180, 280, in combination with using a low pressuredrop web 72 enabled by the electrostatic charging, a reasonably lowpressure drop can be achieved for the window air filter 120, 220, and amoderate airflow is provided through the window air filter 120, 220. Theadjustable frame assembly 140, 240 allows users to easily adjust thelength of the window air filter 120, 220 to fit their specific windowsize 180, 280. In one embodiment, the window air filter 120, 220optionally includes a restraining strap or component to prevent it fromfalling out the window (not shown).

With additional reference to FIGS. 1 through 3C, when the user is readyto install the window air filter 120, 220 in the window 180, 280, theuser simply pull on the two end frame members 32, 34 to stretch thefilter media assembly 130 to a desired size corresponding with thewindow opening. The window air filter 120, 220 can be adjusted to thewidth of the window opening and the operable sash 182, 282 of thewindow180, 280 snugly pressed against one of the side frame members 36,38 so that the window air filter 120, 220 fully occupies the openingspace created by the window sash 182, 282. The side members 36, 38maintain their strength in the expanded state to ensure the integrity ofthe window filter 120, 220, combining with the end frame members 32, 34to collectively define a frame that secures the filter media assembly130. When the user desires to change the filter media assembly 130, forexample, when the filter media becomes at least partially clogged orblocked by contaminants collected on the filter media, the user canadjust the window sash to increase the window opening size and push theend frame members 32, 34 towards each other to at least partiallycollapse the window air filter 120, 220. The window air filter 120, 220can be removed from the window opening and one of the end frame members32, 34 disengaged, or uncoupled, from the side frame members 36, 38 andthe filter media assembly 30. For example, as discussed above, the sideframe members 36, 38 can be disengaged from the frame receivers 46 of atleast one of the end frame 32, 34 and the filter media assembly 30 canbe disengaged from the filter receivers of both the end frames 32, 34.The filter media assembly 30 can then be slidably or otherwise removedfrom the side frame members 36, 38. Another filter media assembly 30 canassembled to the frame members and the side frame members 36, 38inserted or otherwise connected frame receivers 46 of the end framemember 32, 34.

The air filter assembly of the present disclosure can be used in apowered air filtration system such as, for example, that described inU.S. Patent Application No. 62/041501, incorporated herein in itsentirety. The air filter assembly or media of U.S. Pat. No. 62/206,928can be used in the air filters of the present disclosure.

The terms first, second, third and the like in the description and inthe claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and notnecessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is tobe understood that the terms so used are interchangeable underappropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein are capable of operation in other sequences thandescribed or illustrated herein.

All references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in thedescription and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and notnecessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understoodthat the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriatecircumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described hereinare capable of operation in other orientations than described orillustrated herein.

The recitation of all numerical ranges by endpoint is meant to includeall numbers subsumed within the range (i.e., the range 1 to 10 includes,for example, 1, 1.5, 3.33, and 10).

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may bemade to the details of the above-described embodiments andimplementations without departing from the underlying principlesthereof. Further, various modifications and alterations of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of thepresent application should, therefore, be determined only by thefollowing claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A window filter assembly, comprising a frame assembly comprising:first and second end frame members; and first and second side framemembers; wherein the first and second side frame members are configuredto couple with the first and second end frame members; and a filtermedia assembly that is attachable to at least one of the side framemembers and the end frame members; wherein the window filter assembly isexpandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state.
 2. The windowfilter assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and secondside frame members are expandable.
 3. The window filter assembly ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the side frame members include at leastone of a spring-loaded mechanism permitting lengthwise adjustment, atelescoping mechanism permitting lengthwise adjustment, a ratchetingmechanism permitting lengthwise adjustment, a friction fit permittinglengthwise adjustment, two or more components that are slidable relativeto one another permitting lengthwise adjustment, a portion that nestswithin another portion permitting lengthwise adjustment, and/or threadsto permit screw-like lengthwise adjustment.
 4. The window filterassembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second side framemembers include multiple pieces or portions and a length of each of thepieces or portions is less than the total length of the side framemember in an expanded state.
 5. The window filter assembly of claim 1,wherein the side frame members are tubular.
 6. The window filterassembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second side frame members areconfigured to removably couple with the first and second end framemembers.
 7. The window filter assembly of claim 1, wherein either thefirst and second end frame members or the first and second side framemembers include apertures sized and shaped to receive the other of thefirst and second end frame members or the first and second side framemembers.
 8. The window filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the frameassembly is made of at least one of plastic, metal, paper, wood, and/orcardboard.
 9. The window filter assembly of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the end frame members and the side frame members include filtermedia receivers configured to receive connectors mounted on the filtermedia assembly.
 10. The window filter assembly of claim 9, wherein theconnectors are at least one of pegs, teeth, hooks, or other mechanicalconnections mechanism.
 11. The window filter assembly of claim 1,wherein either the end frame members or the side frame members include afemale attachment geometry and the other of the end frame members or theside frame members include a male attachment geometry.
 12. The windowfilter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter media is held in place inor on the frame assembly by at least one of open tubes, pockets, partialloops, adhesive strips, hook and loop connection means, and/or aloop-engaging fastener material.
 13. The window filter assembly of claim1, wherein the filter media is at least one of an extended surface areamedia, pleated, corrugated, scrunched, ruffled, crinkled, and/or a highsurface area media.
 14. The window filter assembly of claim 1, whereinthe filter media is self-supporting.
 15. The window filter assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the filter media has an electrostatic charge.
 16. Thewindow filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter media includes atleast one of porous foam, a nonwoven, paper, and/or fiberglass.
 17. Thewindow filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter media iswire-backed.
 18. The window filter assembly of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first and second end frame members has lengthwiseadjustability.
 19. The window filter assembly of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first and second end frame members includes aspring-loaded feature.
 20. The window filter assembly of claim 1,wherein the window filter assembly can self-retain the shape of theselected expanded and/or collapsed state.
 21. The window filter assemblyof claim 1, wherein the window filter assembly can be adjusted to fitwindows of various sizes.
 22. The window filter assembly of claim 1,wherein the window filter assembly has a size that can be adjusted tofit in a partially open window.
 23. A method of replacing filter mediain the window filter assembly of claim 1, comprising: removing one ofthe first and second end frame members from the frame assembly; removingused filter media; sliding unused filter media along the first andsecond side frame members; attaching the unused filter media to one ofthe first and second end frame members; attaching the unused filtermedia to the other of the first and second end frame members; andsecuring the previously removed one of the first and second end framemembers to form the complete frame assembly.